New York Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Which team is most miserable after Week 5 of the season?
We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Remember these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
New York Jets (0-5)
The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.
Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?
Ravens Sink to 1-4
Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and company.
Still, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.
Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.
Bengals Fall to 2-3
This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No organization in football hinges on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.
Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.
Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4
Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are equal with the best record in their NFC. Why the long faces?
Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.
Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”
Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?
Player of the Week
Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|